Ana Ivanovic is looking to make her first run to the Australian Open final since 2008, but even that pales in comparison to the pressure facing Bastian Schweinsteiger this weekend.
Ivanovic won her first-round matchup over Tammi Patterson in straight sets (6-2, 6-3) on Monday. She's already exceeded last year's results, where she suffered a shock first-round defeat to Lucie Hradecka.
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"No, [I'm] not [feeling] pressure. It just means a lot to me to be through," Ivanovic said after the win, per WTA Tennis. "Every match is a new challenge.
"It wasn't really the beginning I had [in mind] in this Aussie tour, but I'm really happy to have the victory here and hopefully I can improve in my next match."
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Her next challenge comes against Anastasija Sevastova on Thursday.
Ana Ivanovic advances to the 2nd round #AusOpen https://t.co/MuBqIGQhHn
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2016
Schweinsteiger faces a stiffer test of his own just days later.
The Manchester United midfielder was forced to miss last Sunday's clash with Liverpool at Anfield with a knee injury. He is expected to return to the pitch on Saturday, per Metro, and not a moment too soon.
United host Southampton in a pivotal clash between two clubs in the top half of the Premier League table. A win -- coupled with a Tottenham loss at Leicester City -- would see the Red Devils return to the top four.
For all the talk of manager Louis van Gaal losing his level at Old Trafford, United are one victory away from turning a corner. It's imperative for Schweinsteiger -- a World Cup champion -- to be on the pitch for them to do so.
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